Kuching Museums

(Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia)

For a small city, Kuching has a great line-up of interesting museums, giving visitors an all-round view of the rich history and culture of Sarawak and Malaysian Borneo.

The Sarawak Museum is without question the highlight of the cultural scene in Kuching. Housed in an imposing late 19th-century colonial mansion built for the purpose, the Sarawak Museum contains displays of traditional arts and handicrafts. There is also a natural history collection of Sarawak's flora and fauna, with geological, archaeological, anthropological and ethnographic artefacts from the many diverse tribal groups from the region.

Sarawak Museum

Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 082 244 232
Visitors to the Sarawak Museum will be able to take a tour through the fascinating history and culture of the province. This cultural gem comes highly recommended and is ideal for tourists wishing to learn about both the indigenous communities and the surrounding environment. Particularly fascinating are the displays about the Iban tattoos and the famous Malaysian 'palang' penis piercing. There is also a recreation of a traditional longhouse, various wooden models and some basketry exhibits.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Chinese History Museum

Address: Chinatown waterfront, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 082 244 232
The small but interesting Chinese History Museum gives a glimpse into the history and heritage of the Southern Chinese immigrants. These people once braved a dangerous sea journey all the way to Kuching, where they worked to build their new lives and the community itself over many years.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Textile and Costume Museum

Address: The Pavilion, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
The Textile and Costume Museum is an interesting place to visit, being set in an attractive old building and dedicated to traditional weaving techniques, as well as the designs and costumes of the many ethnic groups in Sarawak. Step inside to find a host of fine antique examples, as well as the entire process from weaving to the finished article.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Islamic Museum

Address: Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 082 244 232
Housed in the former James Brooke Malay College, the Islamic Museum (Muzium Islam Sarawak) informs its visitors on the history of Islam in the state, with exhibits concentrating on traditional Islamic architecture, literature, music costumes, weaponry and ancient Islamic studies in the fields of science and education. It also hosts a collection of Holy Qurans (Korans), together with information about the history and arrival of Islam in Malaysia.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Niah Cave Complex and Archaeology Museum

Address: Miri District, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
Located near the archaeology site of the magnificent Niah Cave complex, this facility displays excavated prehistoric artefacts from the caves, home to the region's earliest inhabitants, and gives a rare glimpse of their ancient lifestyles. The Niah Cave Complex and Archaeology Museum is a very long trek along the coast road from Kuching, but the famous caves are truly wondrous. There is a ferry from the city, as well as a short flight.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Cat Museum

Address: Bukit Siol, Jalan Semariang, Kuching, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 082 446 688
One of the most unique and unusual museums that you will find in the whole of Malaysia, the Cat Museum lies just over 10 km / 6 miles outside of the city centre, on the northern banks of the river, where it is located in the highly distinctive and rather futuristic-style Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU) building. This attraction pays tribute to the city's strong cat-themed heritage and is nothing short of a cat extravaganza, with cat-related art works, photographs, paintings, ornaments and much more besides.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free